Ruto Announces Plans to Build Wajir University

President Ruto during National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi on May 28,2026 PHOTO/PCS

President William Ruto has announced plans to establish a university in Wajir County, a move aimed at expanding access to higher education in Northern Kenya.

Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Wajir Stadium on Sunday, June 1, 2026, the President said the government would provide funds for the construction of the institution and begin the project this year.

The 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations were held under the theme, “Delivering the Plan Towards a First World Kenya.”

Ruto said the government is committed to ensuring that Wajir gets its own university to support education and development in the region.

“The Government of Kenya will provide funds to build a university in Wajir, and that program will begin this year, 2026,” Ruto said.

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Ruto Asked Residents to Set Aside Land

The President called on Wajir residents and local leaders to help identify and reserve enough land for the project.

“As the people of Wajir, you will help me decide and set aside enough land for the construction of a university that will support the development of Northern Kenya and the Republic of Kenya as a whole,” he said.

The planned university is expected to increase access to higher learning for students from Wajir and neighboring counties.

It will also support research, innovation, and economic growth in the region.

The announcement formed part of the President’s broader development agenda, which focuses on improving infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities across the country.

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Government Expands Education Opportunities in Northern Kenya

Ruto also noted that the government has made progress in addressing teacher shortages through an affirmative action recruitment program targeting local communities.

“Today, through this affirmative action program, a record 1,800 local teachers from the three counties of Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa have been employed and will be deployed in the region,” he said.

The President highlighted efforts to strengthen the future teaching workforce by supporting more young people to pursue teacher training courses.

“Additionally, 4,616 young people from this region are enrolled in teacher training colleges, the highest number in our history. This is how lasting solutions are built, by investing in people,” he said.

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